Parent Handbook 2018

106 Pages·2017·2.26 MB·English

Parent Handbook
2018
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

Dear Parents and Friends,
Welcome to our School family.
“If we want to do better for our students, we have to immerse ourselves in new learning opportunities to
understand how we create the necessary changes. We rarely create something different until we
experience something different”
George Couros – The Innovator’s Mindset
Education at St Aidan’s aims to provide each girl with the opportunity to innovate, to create something new
and different. In our world today and in the future, we need young people who are confident and have the
skills to communicate and work together.
Together with our staff, I look forward to sharing the educational journey of your daughter with you as we
endeavour to provide an educational environment in which she can think differently and where she can
experience innovation, the learning in which creativity comes to life.
This positive partnership between family, home and school is highlighted in educational literature to be a
crucial one in student achievement and school effectiveness.
Thank you for choosing St Aidan's Anglican Girls’ School as the school for your daughter or Kindy son.

Ms Toni Riordan
B. Ed, M.Ed Le, MACEL, MACE, GAICD

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CONTENTS
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME .................................................................................................................................... 1 
PART 1 ▪ INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 6 
About St Aidan’s .................................................................................................................................................... 7 
History ▪ Society of the Sacred Advent ............................................................................................................. 7 
St Aidan’s House System ..................................................................................................................................... 8 
School War Cry ▪ 1940’s Version ...................................................................................................................... 8 
PART 2 ▪ ANGLICAN ETHOS ............................................................................................................................. 9 
Religious and Values Education ....................................................................................................................... 10 
Liturgy ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 
Spiritual Guidance ............................................................................................................................................. 10 
Sacraments (and Pastoral Services) ................................................................................................................ 10 
Links to Wider Church ....................................................................................................................................... 10 
Angelus ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 
St Aidan’s Prayer ................................................................................................................................................ 11 
Grace ................................................................................................................................................................... 11 
School Hymn ...................................................................................................................................................... 11 
PART 3 ▪ DAILY PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................................... 12 
School Hours ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 
Lesson Times ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 
School Attendance ............................................................................................................................................. 13 
Morning and Afternoon Bus Service ................................................................................................................ 15 
St Aidan’s Bus Route and Timetable ............................................................................................................... 15 
PART 4 ▪ GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 16 
Telephone Directory ........................................................................................................................................... 17 
School Fees ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 
Annual School Camp/Conference Program Years P – 11 (Compulsory) ...................................................... 19 
Withdrawal of a Student .................................................................................................................................... 19 
St Aidan’s Foundation Building Fund (Voluntary) ........................................................................................... 19 
Accidents and Injuries ....................................................................................................................................... 19 
Ptula’s (Café) ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 
Medication .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 
Common Local Diseases Affecting Pupil’s Skin, Hair and Eyes .................................................................... 20 
General Infectious Diseases ............................................................................................................................. 20 
Head Lice ............................................................................................................................................................ 21 
Libraries .............................................................................................................................................................. 21 
Text Hire – Years 7 – 12 Only ........................................................................................................................... 22 
Lost Textbooks ................................................................................................................................................... 22 
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PART 5 ▪ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 23 
Acceptable Use Of Information Technology..................................................................................................... 24 
Laptop Policy ...................................................................................................................................................... 26 
Information Services for Parents ...................................................................................................................... 26 
Information Services for Students ................................................................................................................... 27 
PART 6 ▪ UNIFORM ........................................................................................................................................ 28 
Kindy Uniform ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 
Badges ................................................................................................................................................................ 30 
House Badges .................................................................................................................................................... 30 
Hat ....................................................................................................................................................................... 30 
Shoes .................................................................................................................................................................. 30 
School Backpack ............................................................................................................................................... 30 
Laptop Bag ......................................................................................................................................................... 30 
Carry Bag ............................................................................................................................................................ 30 
Hair ...................................................................................................................................................................... 30 
Jewellery ............................................................................................................................................................. 31 
Nail Polish ........................................................................................................................................................... 31 
Makeup ............................................................................................................................................................... 31 
Blazer .................................................................................................................................................................. 31 
Jumper ................................................................................................................................................................ 31 
PE Uniform .......................................................................................................................................................... 31 
Sport/Training Items ......................................................................................................................................... 32 
Formal White Uniform ....................................................................................................................................... 32 
Free Dress Day ................................................................................................................................................... 32 
PART 7 ▪ PASTORAL CARE ............................................................................................................................. 34 
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) ............................................................................................................... 35 
SEL Program Framework ................................................................................................................................... 35 
Extended SEL Program ...................................................................................................................................... 35 
Camping Program Years 3 - 9 ........................................................................................................................... 35 
Junior School Camping Program ...................................................................................................................... 36 
PART 8 ▪ POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 38 
School Community Code of Conduct................................................................................................................ 39 
Supportive School Environment Policy ............................................................................................................ 42 
Student Protection Policy For Students And Young People ........................................................................... 48 
Student Code of Conduct .................................................................................................................................. 48 
Detentions .......................................................................................................................................................... 48 
Food In School ................................................................................................................................................... 48 
Mobile Phone Use .............................................................................................................................................. 49 
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Privacy Policy ...................................................................................................................................................... 50 
Use of iPods/Personal Music Devices ............................................................................................................. 52 
Substance Misuse Policy .................................................................................................................................. 52 
St Aidan’s Substance Misuse Policy ................................................................................................................ 53 
Sun Policy – Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy ................................................................................................ 53 
PART 9 ▪ ASSOCIATED SCHOOL GROUPS ..................................................................................................... 55 
Parents & Friends’ (P & F) Association Inc ...................................................................................................... 56 
Class Representatives ....................................................................................................................................... 57 
Foundation ......................................................................................................................................................... 57 
Old Girls’ Association ......................................................................................................................................... 57 
Outside School Hours Care ............................................................................................................................... 57 
Important Information for Kindergarten Parents ............................................................................................ 57 
PART 10 ▪ STUDENT LEADERSHIP ................................................................................................................ 60 
Form Captains and Vice Captains .................................................................................................................... 60 
Student Representative Council (S.R.C.) ......................................................................................................... 60 
Senior School Leadership ................................................................................................................................. 60 
Leadership Selection ......................................................................................................................................... 61 
Leadership Conference ..................................................................................................................................... 61 
Awards And Pockets .......................................................................................................................................... 61 
PART 11 ▪ JUNIOR SCHOOL ........................................................................................................................... 72 
Junior School Curriculum .................................................................................................................................. 73 
Extension and Enrichment ................................................................................................................................ 74 
Formal Reporting ............................................................................................................................................... 74 
Parent Teacher Interviews ................................................................................................................................ 74 
Specialist Teachers............................................................................................................................................ 74 
Guidance and Counselling ................................................................................................................................ 75 
Junior Library ...................................................................................................................................................... 75 
Book Club ........................................................................................................................................................... 75 
Junior School Student Leadership ................................................................................................................... 75 
Music ................................................................................................................................................................... 76 
Art Club ............................................................................................................................................................... 77 
Chess Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 77 
Coding and Robotics Club ................................................................................................................................. 78 
STEMies Club ..................................................................................................................................................... 78 
Environmental Club (Earth Angels) .................................................................................................................. 78 
St Aidan’s Readers’ Cup .................................................................................................................................... 78 
Mother Daughter Book Club ............................................................................................................................. 78 
Penguin Aid ......................................................................................................................................................... 78 
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Philosophy Club .................................................................................................................................................. 79 
Prep – Year 6 School Sport ............................................................................................................................... 79 
Junior School Student Awards .......................................................................................................................... 81 
All Round Excellence in Sport Awards (awarded at the Extra-curricular Assembly at the end of the year)
............................................................................................................................................................................. 82 
PART 12 ▪ SENIOR SCHOOL .......................................................................................................................... 83 
Excursion Policy – Years 11 and 12 ................................................................................................................ 84 
Student Drivers .................................................................................................................................................. 84 
Senior Library ..................................................................................................................................................... 84 
Security of Belongings ....................................................................................................................................... 85 
Flowers ................................................................................................................................................................ 85 
Guidance and Careers ....................................................................................................................................... 85 
Senior School Curriculum ................................................................................................................................. 86 
Enrichment Programs (Senior School) ............................................................................................................. 87 
Extra-Curricular Program ................................................................................................................................... 88 
Participation in Physical Education .................................................................................................................. 91 
Test Blocks ......................................................................................................................................................... 92 
Star Tutoring ....................................................................................................................................................... 92 
Home Study ........................................................................................................................................................ 92 
Reporting ............................................................................................................................................................ 92 
Parent Teacher Interviews ................................................................................................................................ 92 
Exit Preparation Program (EPP) ........................................................................................................................ 93 
PART 13 ▪ SENIOR SCHOOL POLICIES .......................................................................................................... 94 
Assessment Policy ............................................................................................................................................. 95 
Procedures regarding absence from scheduled assessment ....................................................................... 95 
Test Protocol....................................................................................................................................................... 96 
Content of Assignments .................................................................................................................................... 96 
Presentation of Assignments ............................................................................................................................ 96 
Submission of Assignments .............................................................................................................................. 96 
Drafting Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 97 
Plagiarism Policy ................................................................................................................................................ 99 
Assessment Appeal Policy .............................................................................................................................. 101 
Special Provision Policy for Years 11 And 12 ............................................................................................... 102 
ST AIDAN’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL MAP .............................................................................................. 103 
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................ 104 

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PART 1 ▪ INTRODUCTION

Page 6 Parent Handbook ▪ St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School ▪ 2018 ▪
About St Aidan’s
St Aidan's is an Anglican girls' school owned and operated by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred
Advent. We are a Kindy to Year 12, day school with approximately 260 students in the Junior School and
520 students in the Senior School. Our co-educational Kindergarten is licensed for 22 students.
St Aidan’s Mission Statement
St Aidan’s strives to provide excellence in education in a caring, friendly environment, where each
individual, nurtured and shaped by the values of the Christian Faith, has the opportunity to achieve her full
potential and to develop a passion for life and for learning.
Our Vision
St Aidan’s nurtures students’ personal aspirations within a vibrant learner-centered community.
Our Strategic Direction
1. Educational Excellence
St Aidan’s provides excellent education based on balance, rigour and challenge.
2. Living Faith
St Aidan’s creates an environment where students and staff reflect the School’s Values and
Mission, expressing the Christian faith and the Anglican Ethos.
3. Connecting Community
St Aidan’s aims to promote a sense of community and belonging and the legacy and future
contributions of the Alumni and the endeavours of the Parent and Friends’ Association, the
Foundation and School Council.
4. Enriching Environment
St Aidan’s is committed to providing an extensive range of extra-curricular programs, designed to
encourage students to develop a sense of achievement and pride in their efforts.
5. Inspiring Professionals
St Aidan’s endeavours to employ the highest quality teaching and support staff through ensuring
best practices in our recruitment, selection, employment and retention of staff.
History ▪ Society of the Sacred Advent
On 9 December 1892, Sister Caroline Amy arrived in Brisbane to begin the work of the Society of the
Sacred Advent (SSA). She had come from Clewer, in England, from the Community of St John the Baptist,
and had answered a plea for assistance from the Vicar of St John’s Pro-Cathedral in Brisbane, the
Reverend Stone-Wigg. He had requested someone to come to Australia to establish a Religious Order for
Women here in Brisbane. Sister Caroline Amy’s dedication and faithfulness saw the Community quickly
grow and a strong ministry focussing on the needs of women and children establish itself and develop. In
1906, Mother Emma took over as the Superior, a position she served in until her death in 1939. Since its
inception, the SSA has been responsible for the establishment and nurturing of several schools and
children’s homes throughout Queensland. Today, we are fortunate enough to be able to have on-going
contact with the Sisters.
The ethos and ministry of the SSA is firmly based on the ministry of St John the Baptist (their Patron Saint)
– ‘to prepare a place for God in their own hearts and minds, and in the world in which they live’. We, at St
Aidan’s, being firmly established with the same ethos, see our focus as ‘preparing a place for God in our
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own hearts and minds, within our school community, and in the world in which we live’. This undergirds all
that we are and all that we do, including our pastoral care, our educational program, and our emphasis on
community service.
St Aidan of Lindisfarne (600 – 651 AD) is our Patron saint and is viewed as a central role model for us as a
school community. His spirituality pervades our culture and is reflected in our commitment to nurturing
spiritual growth and support amongst the girls. A key fellowship group at St Aidan’s is Anam Cara, which is
Celtic for ‘Soul Friend’.
St Aidan was a Celtic monk and bishop, who travelled from Iona to Northumbria to assist King Oswald in
teaching the locals about the Christian faith. He was a widely respected and beloved man, fondly regarded
by those who knew him, and remembered for his commitment to sharing his faith in a gentle and non-
threatening way. A contemplative by nature, St Aidan believed that to do something well required time. He
preferred to travel by foot, in order to converse with those he encountered along the way. His love for God’s
creation was renowned and his care for people exemplary. He was committed to education and to studying
God’s word and devoted much of his life to prayer and silence.
St Aidan’s House System
Austen (Red) ▪ The Utmost for the Highest
(1935) Named after Jane Austen (Author).
Barrett (Pink) ▪ Upright in all things
(1970) Named after Helen Barrett. She was a School Captain and daughter of The Reverend William
Barrett, one of the church leaders responsible for the establishment of St Aidan’s. Helen was a missionary
in the Solomon Islands for many years.
Bronte (Yellow) ▪ Through Trials to Triumph
(1929) Named after writers Charlotte and Emily Bronte.
Cavell (Blue) ▪ Love Conquers All
(1929) Edith Cavell nursed soldiers of both Allied and German Armies during the First World War.
Hartland (Purple) ▪ Faithful Unto Death
(1967) Named after Christine Hartland, the first Headmistress of the School.
Nightingale (Green) ▪ Deeds not Words
(1929) Florence Nightingale, generally credited with the establishment of nursing as an honourable
profession for women, nursed soldiers during the Crimean War (1854-56).
School War Cry ▪ 1940’s Version
The “Charma”
Charma, Charma, Wongalee
Moggidor, Moggidor, Inyartee
Yarla womba crartel arrown
St Aidan’s! St Aidan’s!
Brown! White! Brown!
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PART 2 ▪ ANGLICAN ETHOS

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